Stamp and envelop moistener.



THOMAS H. FURMAN, OF SEWARD, DISTRICT OF ALASKA.

STAMP AND ENVELOP MOISTENER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 20, 190'?.

Application filed October 26,1906. Serial No. 340.760.

To all lwhom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS H. Funnix, a citizen of the 1United States, residing at Seward, in the Territory of Alaska, have invented new and useful Improvements in Stamp and Envelop Moisteners, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a device for applying postage stamps to mail matter and is also applical'ile for use in moistening envelop flaps or for any other purpose where it is desired to apply moisture.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a device of the class set forth having a simple and effective const-ruction and capable of ready operation.

The improved device includes essentially a body having a blotting paper support or holder and a tube with a valve in one end normally held closed by spring and provided with an eXteriorly-projecting stem carrying a sponge or other absorbent material.

The invention also consists in the details of Construction and arrangement of the several parts which will be more fully hereinafter set forth.

ln the drawing-I `igure l is a top or plan view of a device embodying the features of the invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of the same.

Similar characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts in the views.

The numeral l designates a body of suitable material having a reduced or flanged base 2 provided with seats or recesses 3 in the upper surface at thel center near opposite ends to receive the terminals fl of a bowed spring plate 5 to which a strip 6 of blotting paper is applied and secured by doubling the same over the ends Il and forcing the latter ends with the blotting paper thereon into the recesses or seats 3. The body strip 5 is constructed of suitable spring metal and may be readily applied to or removed from the Hanged base 2.

On the top of the body l a tube 7 is secured and held in place by embracing bands S, the tube 7 having at one end a removable cap 9 and its opposite end l0 reduced by tapering or giving it a semi-conical contour. In the reduced or tapered end l0 of the tube a. conical rubber valve member ll is movably disposed and has an inwardly-projecting shank l2, over which is fitted one end of an elongated coiled spring I3, the opposite end of said spring bearing against a washer or disk lli, held by thc. cap 9 against the adjacent end of the tube 7. The valve ll also has an outwardly projecting stem l5 of such diameter that it will readily move through the front reduced extremity of the end l0, and on the stem l5 is secured a sponge 16 or other suitable absorbent material. The stem l5 is of the same material as the valve ll., all the parts of the valve including the shank l2 and the stem as well as the intermediate body or valve proper are constructed of rubber.

The use of a. rubber valve is particularly advantageous in that a snug closure or sealing of the endof the tube 7 will result when the spring lS is free to force the valve forward to its seat in the reduced end or eX- tremity of the said tube.

Furthermore in the use of the improved device or moistener the stom l5 yields slightly when the sponge is drawn over the envelop or other material to apply a stamp or brought into con tact with the gummed side of a stamp, or when used for sealing envelop flaps.

In preparing the device i'or use the tube 7 is supplied with a quantity of water which is introduced therein by removing the cap 9 and the washer or disk lll, the latter acting as a water-tight joint forming means when the cap is applied. After water has been disposed in the tube 7 the improved device may be turned up and conveniently held to bring the sponge IG in Contact with the surface of an envelop or other matter', an envelop ilap or the gummed side of a stamp and moisture applied to the point desired.

In some operations a strip of stamps may be held in one hand and the improved device or moistener in the other hand and a rapid application of the stamps may thus be pursued. By pressing against the sponge '16 the valve ll is forced upwardly into the tube and a portion of the liquid is permitted to escape and drop on the sponge. After the sponge is relieved of pressure the valve ll immediately assumes a normal position and closes the end of the tube so that leakage of the contents of the tube is obstructed. ln the event that too much moisture maybe applied to a letter or paper or an envelop flap the excess moisture may be removed by pressing the blotting paper 6 held by the metal strip 5 against the moistened surface.

The improved device will be found exceptionally convenient and it is proposed to use materials in the manufacture of the same best adapted for the purpose. The tube 7 may be formed either of metal or glass, glass being shown as used in the present instance. lt is also proposed to vary the proportions7 dimensions and details without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim is- A body having a terminally flanged base provided 'with seats or recesses, a springl metal strip having its ends formed for engagement with said seats, a blotter applied to the strip and attached thereby to the base, a tube mounted l on the upper side of the body and having at one end a removable closure cap and'at its other end a reduced discharge opening. a valve fitted in and 'for normally closing said opening. said valve having a projecting stenrcarrying an absorbent material, and a normally expanded springarranged in the body and bearing` on the valve for holdin;- the latter yieldably closed.

I-n testimony whereof, I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.,

THOMAS H. FURMAN.

Witnesses S. O. Monnoizn, RICHARD BUTLER. 

